Systems, methods and computer products for IPTV network game control - Systems and methods for IPTV network game control. Exemplary embodiments include a game system, including a communications device, a game controller functionally coupled to the communications device and a process for establishing communication between the communications device and the game controller for manipulating game content, the process including instructions to receive game content from a network, the content being displayed on the communications device and interactively controlled by the game controller via communication with the communications device.

2008-10-23

20080261687

Game card, game card system, game card reader and method of authentication and fraud prevention - There is provided a game card, game card system, game card reader and method of authentication and fraud prevention. Machine-readable codes are provided on game cards. The code on a game card is read by a game card reader employing two code readers. One code reader uses visible light to read the code, or in the alternative to merely detect the presence of the code. The other code reader uses infrared to read the code. A fraudulent game card, copied or reproduced by photocopiers, scanners and digital cameras available to the general public, is detected based on the absence of a code reading from the second code reader. The presence of code information on a game card that is detectable using visible light, also indicates that the game card is not authentic.

2008-10-23

20080261688

Automated method and system for a gaming opportunity - A method and system of applying for a gaming opportunity, including accessing a server for the gaming opportunity through a player device providing identification data to the server, and receiving an indication of eligibility for the gaming opportunity from the server based on at least one composite score indicative of a scale of eligibility for the gaming opportunity, the composite score obtained by weighting disparate player data based on at least one business rule and applying the weighted data to at least one decision model to generate the score, the disparate player data obtained from a plurality of data sources.

2008-10-23

20080261689

APPLICATION-CENTRIC USER INTERFACE TECHNIQUES - Various application-centric user interface techniques are described. A user can easily launch, add, or update applications. An application-centric activity center can be presented as part of a user interface for an operating system shell. A file defining metadata for an application can be defined. The techniques can be applied to game-related software.

2008-10-23

20080261690

SYSTEM, METHOD AND DISPLAY FOR A TABLE GAME - Systems, methods, and displays are disclosed for logging a player at a gaming table having a plurality of player positions for the purpose of tracking the play of the player. System can include a processor; a data structure storing account data for each player, the data including at least player identification data; a display configured to display a depiction of the gaming table, a plurality of player positions and a position locator, the locator positioned apart from the depicted player positions; a data input device to input data to position the locator to identify a player position; and a device to access the player account data, the processor associating player identification data with the identified player position. The locator can be configured as a pointer, e.g., a pointer and slide. The processor can be configured to highlight the position identified by the locator. Related methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

2008-10-23

20080261691

Game system, program, information storage medium, and method of controlling game system - A game system accepts a position designation operation performed for an operation area OA as a first input operation, and performs game calculations. In this game system, a disturbance area DA is set in the operation area OA when a given disturbance condition has been satisfied. A position designation operation performed for the disturbance area DA is not accepted as a first input operation. The disturbance area DA is canceled when a given cancellation condition has been satisfied.

2008-10-23

20080261692

VIDEO GAME PROGRAM, VIDEO GAME DEVICE, AND VIDEO GAME CONTROL METHOD - According to the present game program, the velocity magnitude data of a controller and velocity magnitude data of an object are calculated based on the acceleration data and the time duration data, both of which are recognized by a control unit. Then, the calculation of modifying the range data of the area into the range data depending on the velocity magnitude of the object is performed. Accordingly, an area set by the modified range data of the area is displayed on a television monitor with the image data. Finally, a state of the object moving at the velocity set by the velocity magnitude data of the object is consecutively displayed on the television monitor with the image data corresponding to the object.

2008-10-23

20080261693

DETERMINATION OF CONTROLLER THREE-DIMENSIONAL LOCATION USING IMAGE ANALYSIS AND ULTRASONIC COMMUNICATION - Game interface tracks the position of one or more game controllers in 3-dimensional space using hybrid video capture and ultrasonic tracking system. The captured video information is used to identify a horizontal and vertical position for each controller within a capture area. The ultrasonic tracking system analyzes sound communications to determine the distances between the game system and each controller and to determine the distances among the controllers. The distances are then analyzed by the game interface to calculate the depths within the capture area for each controller.

2008-10-23

20080261694

Hand-held interactive game - A game apparatus has a plurality of actuation devices in which at least two of the actuation devices require different mechanical actions for actuation. The apparatus further includes a speaker, a display screen, and a processor coupled to each of the actuation devices and to the display screen and the speaker. The processor outputs a first command signal to the speaker relating to a first actuation device, then outputs a second command signal to the speaker when the first actuation device is actuated, with the second command signal relating to a second actuation device. The processor outputs image signals to the display screen that are representative of the mechanical actions being taken.

2008-10-23

20080261695

GAME CONTROLLER - A game controller includes a control circuit and first and second buttons positioned proximate to upper and lower portions, respectively, of the controller. The first and second buttons are in communication with an input of the control circuit. The first button is activated by the user's thumb and the second button is not activated by the user's thumb. The control circuit outputs a control signal in response to the first or second buttons being activated.

2008-10-23

20080261696

Game controller, storage medium storing game program, and game apparatus - A game controller includes at least four load sensors for detecting a load applied on a support board on which player's legs are ridden, and the game controller transmits a load value detected as manipulation data by the four load sensors to a game machine. The game machine determines a necessary quantity of load values, and the game machine computes the necessary quantity of load values based on the detected load value from the game controller. Then, game processing is performed based on the necessary quantity of computed load values.

2008-10-23

20080261697

Networked Electronic Entertainment System - A system and method for distributing data between telephone devices and electronic entertainment systems. The data may be voice data or image data. The system includes a plurality of telephone devices, a plurality of entertainment systems, a conversion server, a user management server, a user database, and a game server. Analog phone data received by the conversion server from the telephone devices via a telephone network is converted to digital data including a user identification. A user name associated with the user identification is determined, target users are identified, and the data is distributed to the target users' entertainment system. In addition, entertainment system data is distributed to telephone devices of target users when game situations specified by the users are realized.

2008-10-23

20080261698

Automated method and system for a gaming opportunity - A system and method for a gaming opportunity including a server to provide a gaming opportunity, a communications network, and a player device in communication with the server through the communications network to request access to the gaming opportunity for a player, the player device including a user interface through which user identification data is sent to the server, wherein the server includes an eligibility determination module to determine eligibility of the player for the gaming opportunity based on the user identification data, and a conditional play module to provide assistance during play of the gaming opportunity.

2008-10-23

20080261700

Gaming Device Including Configurable Communication Unit - Gaming devices including a configurable communication units are described herein. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program to conduct gaming operations and to pass a protocol request for transmission over a gaming network. The device can also include a protocol interface to receive the protocol request and to further pass the protocol request to one of a plurality of protocol units, wherein each of the plurality of protocol units is capable of converting the protocol request from a first communication protocol to a second communication protocol.

2008-10-23

20080261701

Automated method and system for a gaming opportunity - A method and system of screening a player for a gaming opportunity, including obtaining disparate data of a player from a plurality of data sources, weighting the player data based on at least one business rule, and applying the weighted player data to at least one decision model to generate at least one composite score indicative of a scale of eligibility of the player for the gaming opportunity.

2008-10-23

20080261702

Saving Data - Systems and methods for saving data are disclosed. A system automatically or manually saves data. The system saves two copies of the data. When a user reaches a point of achievement, the system saves a new copy of data over one of the previous copies. If the new copy of data is unsatisfactory, then the system maintains the other previous copy of the data. If the new copy of the data is satisfactory, then the system copies the new data over the previous saved data.

2008-10-23

20080261703

Networked Gaming System With Ergonomic Gaming Machine Having Electromechanical Reels - A new ergonomic game cabinet with a unique layout is disclosed. The gaming machine cabinet includes a display mounted nearly vertically, combined with a player deck extending towards a player having more space at a more useful angle than previously available. The player deck will have open space usable by a player for small items (wallets, purses, chips, etc.), a player device area (typically buttons), and then a further area where a player can rest their arms, wrists, or elbows and comfortably reach the player device area. This further area may also be used for small player items, such as chips, tickets, etc. In addition, the new cabinet provides side panels on each side of the gaming machine cabinet that creates a feeling of being “surrounded” by the game experience due to reduced noise and visual distractions from nearby gaming machines, other patrons, waitrons, and the like. A version of the cabinet including electromechanical reels is also disclosed.

2008-10-23

20080261704

SHAFT TUBE SYSTEM FOR BRAKE FOUNDATION - A shaft tube system comprises a shaft having an elongated body, a cam at a brake end and a coupler at an actuated end. A shaft tube accommodates the shaft such that a cavity is defined between the elongated body of the shaft and an interior of the shaft tube with the shaft being rotatable along its longitudinal axis within the shaft tube. The shaft tube has a blockable inlet in fluid communication with the cavity to supply lubricant to the cavity. Seals are positioned between the shaft and the shaft tube at opposed ends of the shaft tube so as to define a lubricant reserve in said cavity, to lubricate the shaft with respect to the interior of the shaft tube. A purge system has a purge outlet in the shaft tube in fluid communication with the cavity adjacent to the brake end for lubricant from the lubricant reserve to be purged therethrough, and a flow control member for each said purge outlet restricting an exit of lubricant through the purge outlet.

Torsional vibration damper - A torsional vibration damper includes a primary side having a pair of axially spaced cover disk elements which are fixed to each other, and a central disk element axially between the cover disk elements, wherein each disk element has a like plurality of circumferentially arranged openings, and each opening has a pair of circumferential support areas. A like plurality of damping element units are arranged in respective sets of openings, and are supported against the circumferential support areas. A radial support surface supports each damping element unit in a radially outward direction, each radial support surface extending without curvature in the axial direction.

FDB MOTOR WITH TAPERED SHAFT FOR IMPROVED PUMPING EFFICIENCY - For motors having a journal with one or more groove regions and a shaft for relative rotation in the journal, aspects include providing a dual tapered shaft. The shaft may be tapered by the application of a wear resistant coating at least opposite the groove regions. The coating introduces a shaft taper from near a top end and from near a bottom end towards the shaft middle. The shaft taper may provide for improved pumping efficiency. The coating may be applied in various processes such as chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition to establish a thickness gradient of coating material from near the top end and near the bottom end towards the shaft middle. In one example, the coating includes a DLC coating. Additionally, shaft portions may be shielded to prevent coatings thereon.

MULTI-GAME TABLE ASSEMBLY - A game table assembly for playing the games of billiards and air hockey comprises a game table including an air hockey game playing surface and opposing air hockey goals. The game table defines a plurality of billiard pockets and includes a plurality of billiard bumpers positioned between the pockets. The bumpers and the air hockey game playing surface create a peripheral gap therebetween. The game table assembly further includes a cover positionable over the air hockey game playing surface to create a billiards game playing surface. Edges of the cover are received in the gap to selectively secure the cover on the game table, the height of the cover being substantially equal to the height of the gap.

2008-10-23

20080261711

Manners of Using a Sports Ball Parameter Determining Instrument - A system and an apparatus for providing data relating to a sports club/bat and/or a sports ball before, during or after launch. The data may be used for testing the club/ball or for introduction into a video feed of the club/ball in order to enhance TV broadcasting of sports tournaments or training. Additionally, games may be played where ball data are projected into a virtual reality, such as a virtual golf course, so that the ball path in the virtual reality may be seen. The system is suitable for e.g. golf, cricket, and baseball.

2008-10-23

20080261712

Golf club and method of training a user to swing a golf club - A golf club having a head with a face configured to contact a ball and a shaft attached to the head at a first end such that the first end extends into and is received within the head. The shaft is gripped by a golfer at a second end so as to be swung by the golfer to head strike the ball. The head is configured to provide the golfer with a visual indication of the position of the first end of the shaft such that the position of first end of the shaft is monitored during the swing. The visual indication can be provided by a transparent region and highlighting the first end of the shaft. There is also described methods of training and assessing a golfer's golf swing using such a club.

2008-10-23

20080261713

Golf accessory apparatus - A golf accessory apparatus having: a ground engaging base member, wherein the ground engaging base member includes an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is generally opposite the lower surface, and a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is associated with a golf club retaining member; and a golf club retaining member, wherein the golf club retaining member includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is generally opposite the outer surface, and a first end and a second end, wherein the second end includes at least one groove for releasably containing at least a portion of a golf club.

2008-10-23

20080261714

Magnetic Golf Ball Collecting Device - A golf ball collecting device including a cup adapted to successfully hold a golf ball therein. The cup incorporates a metal disc of magnetic material to enable the device to be attached by magnetic force to the end of a golf club. In this manner the golf club with the device attached thereto can be used to retrieve a golf ball from ground level without having to bend down. The golf ball can be gripped by the device by aiming the cup at the golf ball and pressing on it slightly, thus allowing the golfer to easily retrieve the ball without having to bend over or kneel and risk straining their knees or back. The device can be quickly and easily attached to the golf club by a second metal disc attached to the handle grip, and just as quickly and easily removed after the golf ball has been retrieved.

2008-10-23

20080261715

GOLF CLUB WITH ADJUSTABLE CENTER OF GRAVITY HEAD - A golf club comprising a head having a series of tracks forming a three-dimensional pattern along a surface of the head; a plurality of weights for positioning along the channels; and a mechanism for securing the weights at arbitrary positions along the channels so as to customize at least one of center of gravity and moment of inertia of the head. The channels can all interconnect with one another to allow a weight to be moved from one to another. The golf club can further comprising a removable cover for at least a portion of the surface, the cover being for covering the channels and the weights positioned along the channels. The weights can comprise a spherical member disposed in a channel; an external member having a portion external to a surface of the head; and a coupling between the spherical member and the external member to allow the spherical member and the external member to securely capture between them a wall in which a track is formed. The channels may be in the removable cover, or below the removable cover, in the head.

Golf club head weight reinforcement - A wood-type golf club head is described that includes a body including one or more walls defining an interior cavity and multiple weight ports formed in the body. At least one weight is configured to be retained at least partially within at least one of the weight ports. One or more fins or ribs are secured to each of the weight ports and to another structural member of the golf club head.

2008-10-23

20080261718

GOLF CLUB - A golf club comprising: a shaft; a head affixed to a distal end of the shaft and having a ball striking face, the head comprising spaced apart lower and upper portions which have respectively: lower and upper primary alignment guides extending substantially perpendicular to the ball striking face, the lower primary alignment guide provided by at least one lower slot portion in the lower portion and the upper primary alignment guide provided by at least one upper slot portion in the upper portion; and lower and upper secondary alignment guides extending substantially parallel to the ball striking face, the lower secondary alignment guide provided by at least one further lower slot portion in the lower portion and the upper secondary alignment guide provided by at least one further upper slot portion in the upper portion, the primary and secondary alignment guides being positioned relative to one another so that a golfer's eyes are correctly aligned relative to the golf club head when the primary and secondary alignment guides are respectively perceived as being superposed.

2008-10-23

20080261719

GOLF CLUB HEAD - There is provided a golf club head capable of increasing carry on average even if being used by an amateur golfer who is prone to hit a ball with various hit points across the clubface. A golf club head

2008-10-23

20080261720

GOLF CLUB HEAD - This invention provides a golf club head including a head main body, a face plate and a hollow portion. The head main body includes an opening in a face portion, and the opening is provided with a plurality of pawls to receive the face plate which is to fit in the opening. The pawls include a large pawl and a small pawl. The large pawl is arranged in each of a heel-side upper portion and a toe-side lower portion and the small pawl is arranged in at least either one of a heel-side lower portion and a toe-side upper portion when the opening is divided into four vertically and horizontally about a face center as the center. The face plate is fitted in the opening and fixed by welding.

2008-10-23

20080261721

IN-MOLD POWDER COATING OF GOLF BALL EQUIPMENT AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - A method for coating golf ball components is provided and includes the step of adhering a thin layer of a non-ionomeric polyolefin powder to the interior surfaces of a golf ball mold. The polyolefin powder is adhered to the mold using electrostatic, tribostatic or fluidized bed processes. The golf ball component is placed within the mold, and a sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the mold so that the thin layer of non-ionomeric polyolefin powder fuses to the golf ball component.

2008-10-23

20080261722

COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN GOLF BALLS - A golf ball including a core and at least one cover layer disposed about the core, wherein the core or the cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a base polymer, a crosslink initiator, and at least one additive comprising phenothiazine or a perhaloalkyl additive having a structure of:

2008-10-23

20080261723

Golf Balls Having Two Core Layers Formed From HNP Compositions - The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of a center having a center hardness of 50 Shore C or greater and formed from a first HNP composition, and an outer core layer having a surface hardness of 75 Shore C or greater and formed from a second HNP composition. The first HNP composition has a material hardness of 55 Shore D or less and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer. The second HNP composition has a material hardness of 45 Shore D or greater and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer. The material hardness of the first HNP composition is less than the material hardness of the second HNP composition. The cover consists of an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition and an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition.

2008-10-23

20080261724

GOLF BALLS HAVING TWO CORE LAYERS FORMED FROM HNP COMPOSITIONS - The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of a layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and a layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition. The relatively soft HNP composition has a material hardness of 55 Shore D or less and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer. The relatively hard HNP composition has a material hardness of 45 Shore D or greater and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer. The cover preferably consists of a single cover layer.

2008-10-23

20080261725

GOLF BALL DIMPLES WITH SPIRAL DEPRESSIONS - A golf ball includes a spherical outer surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples have an inner land surface with at least one spiral depression either disposed or superimposed on the inner land surface to energize or agitate the airflow over the dimpled surfaces to increase the aerodynamic performance of the golf ball. The spiral depression may turn clockwise or counterclockwise and can be either spaced apart, touching or overlapping each other. While the dimples may be circular, polygonal, triangular or elliptical, dimples having a cross section greater than 0.18 inch are preferred. The dimples may also comprise spiral depressions directly on the spherical surface of the ball.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR BALL CONTROL TRAINING DEVICE - A variety of training boards and panel assemblies are supported by an indoor floor base to provide targets with rebound capability for developing and improving ball handling skills. Panel supporting uprights extend upwardly from a base housing to provide backing and necessary stability for a rebound panel. The supporting uprights are configured to provide supporting surfaces to which the rebound panels are attached, with the supporting surfaces aligned to position the rebound panels in a desired orientation. To provide stability, the base housing includes frictional elements to help hold in place for while in a gym floor. Also, the base housing is configured to hold weights of a desired configuration, thus cooperating with the frictional elements to hold the training board in place while being subjected to forces from balls. In addition, the supporting uprights have multiple support surfaces capable of aligning the panels in a desired orientation, thus providing multiple rebound characteristics to the user.

2008-10-23

20080261728

Collapsible ball game practice device - A collapsible ball game practice device is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section above a lower section being substantially collapsible into the lower section. Detent structure is provided on an upper portion of each lower section and a lower portion of each upper section to secure each upper section when raised to its raised condition. A mounting structure is provided on the bottom of the lowermost section for releasably securing the device to a basketball playing surface. Arms may be rotated to various positions. The arms may be collapsed and slid on a carrier into the uppermost section. A head structure may also be slid into the uppermost section. The sections may be collapsed such that all of them may be collapsed into the lowest section. A handle is provided in the top of the head structure for carrying the entire assembly. The collapsed device may be easily transported and/or stored. The device is particularly useful as a defensive dummy in practicing the games of basketball and volleyball.

2008-10-23

20080261729

SYSTEM FOR PICKING UP, TOSSING, AND STRIKING A BALL - A multi-purpose implement is provided, including a bat, having a handle portion and a barrel, and a ball basket attached to the bat and adapted to lift a ball directly from a generally horizontal surface. A method of using the implement, without contacting the ball with one's hands, includes holding the handle portion in one or both hands, maneuvering the ball basket into contact with a ball lying on a generally horizontal surface, lifting the ball directly from the generally horizontal surface with the ball basket, tossing the ball from the ball basket into the air, and while the ball is in the air, striking the ball with the barrel of the bat.

2008-10-23

20080261730

SYSTEM FOR PICKING UP, TOSSING, AND STRIKING A BALL - A multi-purpose implement is provided, including a racquet, having a handle portion and a flexible planar area held under tension by a frame, and a ball basket attached to the racquet and adapted to lift a ball directly from a generally horizontal surface. A method of using the implement, without contacting the ball with one's hands, includes holding the handle portion in one or both hands, maneuvering the ball basket into contact with a ball lying on a generally horizontal surface, lifting the ball directly from the generally horizontal surface with the ball basket, tossing the ball from the ball basket into the air, and while the ball is in the air, striking the ball with the racquet.

2008-10-23

20080261731

Lacrosse Handle - A lacrosse handle having two sidewalls each with a channel and two arched walls extending between the sidewalls is disclosed herein. The channels contribute to increased gripping ability by the user and overall increased strength of the handle. Each channel is capable of receiving an insert that includes individualized information, for example, a school name or colors. Further, one of the arched walls may have a textured surface and the other arched wall may have a smooth surface to provide the user with a more accurate handle to head orientation than conventional lacrosse handles. In an alternative embodiment, one or more strategic portions of the exterior surface of an otherwise conventional lacrosse handle include texture that provides increased grippage and provides the user with a more accurate handle to head orientation than conventional lacrosse handles.

2008-10-23

20080261732

SYSTEM FOR PICKING UP, TOSSING, AND STRIKING A BALL - A ball lifting, tossing and striking system, by which a user can pick up, toss and strike a ball in such a way that the ball does not come in contact with the user's hands, includes a ball and a multi-purpose implement that may be carried by a user in one or both hands. The multi-purpose implement includes a striking implement, having a handle portion and a striking portion, and a ball basket attached to the striking implement and adapted to lift the ball from the ground. To use the multi-purpose implement, a user may grasp the handle portion of the striking implement, lift the ball from the ground with the ball basket, and without touching the ball with either of the user's hands, toss the ball from the ball basket into the air such that it may be struck by the striking portion.

2008-10-23

20080261733

COMPOSITE RACQUET AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A composite sports racquet frame including a frame made of composite material, the frame including a head portion configured to receive and surround a string bed with a plurality of string segments, and a handle portion. The head portion includes a tip section on an opposite end of the frame from the handle portion, and the tip section includes a solid cross-section substantially throughout and the remainder of the head portion includes a hollow cross-section substantially throughout.

2008-10-23

20080261734

ARROWHEAD - A broadhead includes a one piece elongated ferrule, with a plurality of slots through a central longitudinal axis of said ferrule, at least one of which has an open end, and one piece blades mounted in the slots. At least one of the blades includes a blade slot in it and the blades having openings through them. A securing member is inserted transversely through the central longitudinal axis of the ferrule and passes through said openings through the openings of the blades securing them within the ferrule.

2008-10-23

20080261735

Transmission Case for Bicycles - To change the transmission gear ratios of a bike and reduce its dimensions as much as possible. The derailleur, located between the two cog sets (

2008-10-23

20080261736

Chain tensioner - A stepped set groove having shallow and deep portions is formed in the inner periphery of a cylinder chamber formed in a housing of a chain tensioner near its open end. A radially and elastically deformable set ring having circumferentially separated ends is received in the set groove in a radially compressed state. The set ring has at the respective ends thereof a pair of grip portions which are received in a cutout formed in housing at its front end. By engaging the set ring in an engaging groove formed in the outer periphery of the plunger near its front end and the shallow portion, it is possible to keep the plunger pushed into the cylinder chamber. In this state, the chain tensioner is mounted in position. One of the grip portions is brought into abutment with one of the circumferentially opposed end walls of the cutout to prevent the plunger from rotating about its axis in such a direction that the axial gap between an internal thread of the plunger and an external thread of a screw rod inserted in the plunger disappears. Thus, it is possible to keep the axial gap larger than the axial distance by which the plunger has to be moved to move the set ring from the shallow portion into the deep portion. This makes it possible to disengage the set ring from the engaging groove by pushing the plunger into the cylinder chamber.

2008-10-23

20080261737

Hydraulic tensioner - A check valve unit in a hydraulic tensioner comprises a check ball, a steel ball guide having an inner wall allowing a limited range of longitudinal movement of the ball but restricting its lateral movement, a steel retainer attached to the high pressure oil chamber side of the ball guide, and a steel ball seat attached to the oil supply side of the ball guide. Bulged portions formed on an outer surface of the ball guide are press-fit into the plunger-accommodating hole of the tensioner.

2008-10-23

20080261738

CHAIN TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - A chain transmission system having a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket, a chain having a front side engaging teeth on the drive sprocket and teeth on the driven sprocket, and a rotary wheel having rubber outer surface. A backside of the chain engages the rubber outer surface of the driven wheel.

VEHICULAR POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS - A case in which a vehicular power transmitting apparatus is stored, has: an annular support portion which surrounds an outer periphery of a planetary gear set and supports a fixed element from among a plurality of gears and a carrier of the planetary gear set; an outer peripheral wall portion that surrounds the annular support portion; a flange portion that forms a mounting surface on an outer portion of the outer peripheral wall portion; and a dividing wall portion which extends to the outside from the annular support portion toward the outer peripheral wall portion and the flange portion, and which forms the flange portion and the mounting surface and divides spaces within the case. A joining portion, in which a fastening hole to which the fastening member is joined and whose axis passes through the dividing wall portion is formed, is integrally formed with the dividing wall portion.

2008-10-23

20080261741

Multistage Planetary Gear - When, according to the invention, a multistage planetary gear is constructed with a clutch/brake device (

2008-10-23

20080261742

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - A plurality of microscopic grooves are created on the surface of the teeth of planetary gears, and thus, irregular unevenness is created. This irregular unevenness includes a plurality of first microscopic grooves which function as lubricant grooves and a plurality of second microscopic grooves which are shallower than the first microscopic grooves.

2008-10-23

20080261743

ECCENTRIC GEAR MECHANISM AND METHOD OF TRANSFERING TURNING FORCE THEREBY - An eccentric gear mechanism, comprising an input drive having a centric portion rotated about an axis and an eccentric portion; a movable inner ring gear having outer circumferential gear teeth, so that said centric portion and said eccentric portion of said input drive turn in one direction against said movable inner ring gear, said inner ring gear being configured in such a way that it allows an eccentric movement by said inner ring gear and transfers a given turning force derived by said inner ring gear in an opposite direction to said one direction; an outer ring gear having inner circumferential gear teeth partially engaged with said outer circumferential gear teeth of said inner ring gear, so that when said given turning force is derived by said inner gear ring in said opposite direction said outer ring gear rotates around said axis, and said outer ring gear transfers said given turning force in said one direction outwardly along said axis.

2008-10-23

20080261744

GEAR UNIT AND USE OF THE SAME - The gear unit for use with a manually adjustable electric component has a manually operable adjusting shaft and a reduction gear including a rotatable ball cage and a plurality of balls as well as a race ring element having a spring and retaining portion that encircles the race ring externally. Such a gear unit allows greatly reduced dimensions and furthermore offers a considerable dielectric strength.

2008-10-23

20080261745

POWER TAKEOFF AND GEARBOX - A power takeoff and gearbox is configured for use with an associated vehicle transmission to provide rotational power to an associated auxiliary component. The power takeoff and gearbox includes a housing. An input gear set includes an input gear and a transfer gear mounted for common rotation. The input gear is driven by the associated vehicle transmission. A primary drive gear is disposed on a drive shaft. The primary drive gear is meshed with the transfer gear for rotation with the transfer gear. A planetary gear system includes a carrier, a plurality of planet gears mounted for rotation within the carrier and a sun gear disposed central to the planet gears. The carrier is connected to the primary drive shaft for rotation with the shaft and for rotation of the planet gears relative to the carrier. An output is mounted to the sun gear for providing rotational power to the associated auxiliary component. The input gear set and the output are disposed, at least in part, within the housing and the primary drive gear and the planetary gear system are disposed within the housing. A clutch can also be included mounted within the housing.

2008-10-23

20080261746

VEHICULAR POWER TRANSMISSION DEVICE - The thrust force of a sun gear is supported by a first thrust bearing that supports a first output shaft in the direction of an axis thereof. The thrust force of a ring gear is supported by a second thrust bearing that supports a second output shaft in the direction of the axis.

2008-10-23

20080261747

Adjusting device with a CVT planetary roller transmission - An adjusting device including a CVT planetary roller transmission having two axially-spaced sun wheels that are rotatable about a common axis of rotation and at different speeds of rotation. Planet wheels contact and ride against peripheral surfaces of each of the sun wheels, and an axially displaceable ring wheel lies radially outwardly of the sun wheels and engages a peripheral groove formed in the sun wheels. When the ring wheel is axially displaced relative to the sun wheels the axes of rotation of the planet wheels tilt relative to the sun wheel axis resulting in a difference in the rotational speed of the sun wheels changes. The device can be employed as an adjusting device for adjusting the rotational speed of connected units, and also as a drive line component having a variable transmission ratio and situated in a power train of a motor vehicle.

2008-10-23

20080261748

FOUR PINION DIFFERENTIAL WITH CROSS PIN RETENTION UNIT AND RELATED METHOD - A differential having four pinions supported for rotation on cross pins within a differential case. The differential employs a retainer system for securing the cross pins relative to the differential case. The retainer system can include a retainer, such as a clip or a pair of roll pins, that can secure at least one of the cross pins in place.

8-Speed Transmission - The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, four fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

2008-10-23

20080261751

8-Speed Transmission - The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, three fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with a stationary member, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

2008-10-23

20080261752

8-Speed Transmission - The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices and five fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with a stationary member, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

2008-10-23

20080261753

8-Speed Transmission - The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, three fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with a stationary member, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

2008-10-23

20080261754

8-Speed Transmission - The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, four fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with a stationary member, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

2008-10-23

20080261755

8-Speed Transmission - The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, four fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members, and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

2008-10-23

20080261756

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

2008-10-23

20080261757

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

2008-10-23

20080261758

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

2008-10-23

20080261759

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either brakes or clutches. Eight forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse are achieved by engaging various combinations of the brakes and clutches.

2008-10-23

20080261760

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either brakes or clutches. Eight forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse are achieved by engaging various combinations of the brakes and clutches.

2008-10-23

20080261761

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and at least one brake.

2008-10-23

20080261762

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and at least one brake.

2008-10-23

20080261763

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and at least one brake.

2008-10-23

20080261764

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

2008-10-23

20080261765

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

2008-10-23

20080261766

Automatic Transmission - A structure is given where the automatic transmission includes a planetary gear unit, a plurality of engagement elements to disconnect or fix elements of the planetary gear unit, a variable speed control that selects a low-speed forward gear as the vehicle first starts to move, a high-speed forward gear when the vehicle is moving forward, and a reverse gear when the vehicle is moving reverse by disconnecting or fixing the plurality of engagement elements. Embodiments may provide an advantage in layout by reducing a high-torque starting element and a forward/reverse shift element into a single planetary gear unit.

2008-10-23

20080261767

8-Speed Transmission - The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, three fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with a stationary member, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

2008-10-23

20080261768

Driving device or image forming apparatus - A rotary-body driving-force transmitting mechanism transmits a driving force from a driving-force source to a rotary body. A rotary-inertial-body driving-force transmitting mechanism transmits the driving force to a rotary inertial body that suppresses a velocity fluctuation in the rotary body. A rotational velocity shift mechanism shifts the rotational velocity. The rotary inertial body, the rotary-body driving-force transmitting mechanism, and the rotary-inertial-body driving-force transmitting mechanism are provided coaxially with a rotary shaft of the rotary body. A satellite frictional gear mechanism is used as the rotational velocity shift mechanism.

2008-10-23

20080261769

MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION - A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and at least one brake.

2008-10-23

20080261770

Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle drive system - A control apparatus for a drive system of a hybrid vehicle including (a) an engine, (b) an electrically controlled differential portion which has a first electric motor, and a differential mechanism operatively connected to the engine and the first electric motor and a differential state of which is controlled by controlling an operating state of the first electric motor, (c) a mechanical transmission portion constituting a part of a power transmitting path, and (d) a second electric motor connected to a power transmitting path between the electrically controlled differential portion and a drive wheel of the hybrid vehicle, the control apparatus including a control portion which is operable when a terminal portion of a shifting action of the mechanical transmission portion and a starting operation of the engine overlap each other, the control portion being configured to implement one of the shifting action and the starting operation prior to the other.

2008-10-23

20080261771

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.

2008-10-23

20080261772

Method for Controlling an Automatic Transmission - A method for the control of an automatic transmission during a change of ratio procedure, wherein the synchronous speed of rotation (SD) for the new transmission gear-stage lies under the no-load speed of rotation (LD) of a drive motor which can be connected to the transmission and wherein a gear-stage engagement actuator for the engagement of a new transmission gear-stage is then activated, when the transmission input speed of rotation (GED) has reached a predetermined speed of rotation window (F), which window also encompasses the synchronous speed of rotation (SD). In order to make such a shifting method more comfortable than previously, the invented method deviates from that procedure based on downshifting, which has been customary up to this time and rather proceeds in a upshifting mode.

2008-10-23

20080261773

Selective Freewheeling Mechanism and Electromechanical Vehicle Brake Having A Selective Freewheeling Mechanism - The invention relates to a selective freewheeling mechanism for developing an electromechanical vehicle brake (service brake) into a parking brake. The freewheeling mechanism according to the invention has an outer ring and a locking element cage which are configured as an electric motor with a rotor and a stator. The rotor and stator can be swiveled in relation to each other when a coil is supplied with current. Due to a symmetric design, the freewheeling mechanism is advantageously insensitive to acceleration forces.

2008-10-23

20080261774

Seat for cardio-fitness equipment - One embodiment of the present invention discloses a cardio-fitness equipment with a seat that features height adjustment, proximity to handlebars adjustment, and easy removal of the seat for the purpose of exchange with a different user-selected model or for cleaning.

2008-10-23

20080261775

Wheel assembly of exercise machine capable of presetting resistance parameters - A wheel assembly of an exercise machine includes a base having a fixed disk. A flywheel is provided on the base. A damper, which is provided on the fixed disk, has a displacement mechanism and a magnet assembly connected to the displacement mechanism and moved by the displacement mechanism toward or away from the flywheel. A motor is provided on the fixed disk and connected to the displacement mechanism for adjusting a position of the magnet assembly. A control circuit, which has a processor, an angle sensor connected to the processor and a memory, is connected to the motor and the damper to sense the position of the magnet assembly and control the motor driving the displacement mechanism to adjust the position of the magnet assembly. Therefore, the memory stores resistance parameters of presetting the magnet assembly acting on the flywheel to achieve the presetting function.

2008-10-23

20080261776

System and method for computing performance - A system and method of calculating athlete performance, may include receiving information relating to at least one date of performance of physical activity and generating a proposed training schedule, including one or more training sessions, corresponding to the at least one date of performance of physical activity. Further, the system and method may include receiving information relating to records of the athlete's prior performances, and determining a performance model including predicted athlete performance based on the calculated training schedule and the prior performances.

2008-10-23

20080261777

Adjustable exercise device - An exercise device includes two cranks rotatably coupled to a rear portion of a upright support and each having a pivot rod, two handles having a middle portion pivoted to a front portion of the upright support with a spindle, two foot supports pivotally coupled to the handles and each having a middle portion pivotally coupled to the pivot rod of the cranks with a link, and two levers pivotally coupled to the pivot rod and the handle and spaced away from the spindle for forming a polygonal coupling structure and for allowing the foot supports to be moved elliptically relative to the upright support of the base. The levers may be adjustably coupled to the handles for adjusting the moving stroke of the foot supports.

2008-10-23

20080261778

Adjusting exercise device - An exercise device includes two cranks rotatably coupled to a rear portion of a upright support and each having a pivot rod, two handles having a middle portion pivoted to a front portion of the upright support with a spindle, two foot supports pivotally coupled to the handles and each having a middle portion pivotally coupled to the pivot rod of the cranks with a link, and two levers pivotally coupled to the pivot rod and the handle and spaced away from the spindle for allowing the foot supports to be moved elliptically relative to the upright support of the base. The levers may be adjustably coupled to the handles with a motorized threaded member for adjusting the moving stroke of the foot supports.

2008-10-23

20080261779

Stationary exercise device - An exercise device includes two cranks rotatably coupled to a rear portion of a upright support and each having a pivot rod, two handles having a middle portion pivoted to a front portion of the upright support with a spindle, two foot supports pivotally coupled to the handles and each having a middle portion pivotally coupled to the pivot rod of the cranks with a link, and two levers pivotally coupled to the pivot rod and the handle and spaced away from the spindle for forming a polygonal coupling structure and for allowing the foot supports to be controlled by both the cranks and the link and the handles, and for allowing the foot supports to be moved elliptically relative to the upright support of the base.

Exercise machine - An exercise machine includes a supporting stage; a saddle arranged relatively for said supporting stage; a pedaling stage with a pair of pedals arranged relatively for said supporting stage; and a handle arranged relatively for said supporting stage. The pedaling stage is configured such that the pair of pedals are connected with one another via a first air pump.

2008-10-23

20080261782

Rowing Machine Simulators - One aspect is an energy storage device for a rowing machine simulator having a rowing handle connected to an energy dissipation device. The energy storage device is configured to be disposed intermediate the rowing handle and the energy dissipation device and configured to elastically absorb a predetermined proportion of the force applied to the rowing handle by an oarsman during the early phase of a stroke. The elastically absorbed energy is released during later phases of said stroke.

Oblique abdominal trainer - An apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles of a user includes an elongate track having first and second ends and a middle portion wherein the elongate track is positionable transverse to a user. The apparatus further includes a carriage movable along the track, wherein that carriage is biased toward the middle portion of the track, and an arm extending substantially perpendicular from the carriage. The arm has a free distal end such that application by user of an alternating torque to the free distal end of the arm urges the carriage in a corresponding reciprocating motion on the track.

2008-10-23

20080261785

WEIGHTABLE HOOP BELT SYSTEM - A weightable hoop system comprising: a single bodied molded hoop comprising: a first annular volume; a second annular volume located adjacent to the first annular volume; a third annular volume located adjacent to the first annular volume; a threaded input member in fluid communication with the first annular volume; and where the first annular volume is not in fluid communication with the second annular volume and the third annular volume, and the second annular volume is not in fluid communication with the third annular volume. A weightable hoop system comprising: an outer single bodied molded hoop comprising: an outer surface; an inner surface; an upper groove located on the outer surface; a lower groove located on the outer surface; a first annular volume that is not in communication with the ambient atmosphere; an inner single bodied molded hoop comprising: a first end and a second end, such that the inner single bodied molded hoop is not a continuous ring; a top; a bottom; a second generally annular volume; a threaded input member in fluid communication with the second annular volume; a first flange located at the top; a second flange located at the bottom; and where the first flange and second flange are configured to attach to the upper groove and lower groove respectively via an interference fit. A weightable hoop system comprising: a single bodied molded hoop with a top and a bottom comprising: a first annular volume located at the top; a second annular volume located at the bottom; a pinch seal located between the first annular volume and the second annular volume, and preventing fluid communication between the first annular volume and the second annular volume; a first threaded input member in fluid communication with the first annular volume; and a second threaded input member in fluid communication with the first annular volume.

2008-10-23

20080261786

Shoulder mounted walking exerciser - A shoulder mounted walking exerciser with padded shoulder hooks compliantly rest on the user's shoulders and a belt around the waist secures the device to the user. The shoulder hooks attach to a frame that extends to below the waist and two handles attach to rotatable axles located shoulder high on the aforementioned frame. The handles extend vertically upward from the frame, and then upwardly forward, and downwardly forward, over the user's shoulders, ending at shoulder height, providing a grip for the user to interact with the device. The handles have an optional rubber grip for user comfort. For ease of handling and storing the device, the handles have a pivotal connection and rotate to a stowed position. A spring connected to the aforementioned frame produces a resistance to handle movement that the user must overcome.